Chapter 8: Chapter 8

In the instrument class,

Caleb, senior "I'm glad to see so many people joining the class this semester. I'm a little worried because the sum is higher than I expected." He said, clearing his throat "What I mentioned in your classes, you already knew. We will assist you in learning musical instruments and will advise you if you like to participate in any musical competition. For the time being, because the strength is so strong, we decided to hold an audition for the instrument class. For that, you'll be performing Cord C in front of me, Jacob and two other seniors who can't make it today since they're discussing the upcoming musical contest in our college. So be ready for the next class and come prepared."

"What type of audition will it be?" someone in the audience inquired.

Caleb, senior "For the audition, as you'll be performing Cord C, We'll choose the best members from among you."

Someone, "You stated that you are teaching everyone, so why are you excluding members through an audition? What is the purpose of this audition?"

Caleb, senior "Take a look around you. Everyone did not come to study music since they're interested. Some people followed others here. Some came to get their classes shortened. Some came just to have fun like the ones who are on their phones right now." And stared at the person who was chatting beside me and continued, "I've seen similar students..."

While he was responding to the individual who had asked the question, I said to Hannah, "Are they serious? I don't even know how to hold the guitar. Do you think I can pass the audition?"

Hannah, "It's not a huge deal. Chord c is simple in guitar. It's easy to learn. You got this."

"Silence!" exclaimed senior Caleb. And he kept raving about the club.

When he concluded his announcement, everyone began to leave. I noticed Andrew practising with some people.

Hannah, "What are you looking at? Let's go."

"I'll catch up with you later."

After Hannah left, I approached senior Caleb, who was writing something in his notepad.

"Senior?"

"What is it?"

"I'm sorry, but I don't know how to play the guitar."

"You've already told me that. I recall. That's why we gave you one week. The audition is still seven days away. You can learn the chord in the time that follows."

"Regarding the audition… Would you mind teaching me how to play the C chord?"

"How about your companion?"

"She is a violinist. I also don't know anyone who could show me how to play. I don't believe the internet will be a viable choice."

"It's all right. I'll show you how. Bring your instrument tomorrow."

"Thank you, senior," I said with a smile.

"I told you Caleb was my name."

"Thank you very much, Caleb senior."

In the record store,

"Ah! I had a feeling you'd return. Did you make a decision on an instrument?"

"Acoustic guitar," I answered with a nod.

She packed the guitar for me and handed it to me. I got it after thanking her.

As I was leaving the shopping, the florist approached me and asked, "Did the flowers work?"

"Nope, I think he only likes Daisy flowers," I remarked, shaking my head.

"Aren't you going to experiment with different flowers?"

"I'll ask him myself," I answered with a smile.

"Are you going to talk to him?"

"We're closer than before," I affirmed.

"Best wishes."

"Thank you."

When I arrived at the house, I found Ashton watching television in the living room. I made my way upstairs to my room.

I kept the guitar on the table in my room and stared at it "Let's be friends because you're going to help me by keeping me near him. My name is Amelia. And your name will be... Leah."

When I got out of the shower, I noticed Ash clutching my guitar.

"Who is the owner of this guitar?"

"Mine. I bought it."

He laughed at my response.

"I'm going to a music university, thus I have to have a musical instrument…"

"Don't attempt to fool me, I know you despise music."

Even though I'm wary of everyone, I'm interested in how he knows. He is, indeed, correct. I don't like music, but if it's about Andrew, I'll like it nonetheless.

"Did I mention that I despise music? Do you really know who I am?"

"How long are you going to be like a father's puppet?" he questioned, setting aside the instrument.

"I'm not a puppet for anyone."

"So you're studying on your own initiative?"

I answered, "Yes. And I'm not the type to contradict our parents' wishes."

"Blah! Blah! Blah! Are you truly glad to do this?" he laughed.

"Yes."

He rose up and approached me, whispering, "Then how's your next-door neighbour crush?"

I shushed him and told him, "Why are you being so loud? What if we were overheard? You're making me regret leaving my personal diary out on my desk that day every moment," I said, checking the door and window, which were already closed.

He sat on the bed and inquired, "Are you going to stay this way forever? Are you sure you're not going to tell him?"

I sat next to him and said, "Do you believe it's possible? Our parents and his parents are like battle-hardened warriors. Moreover, in college, he was often surrounded by people. He's much above my pay grade."

He flicked his wrist and replied, "Why do you constantly think of others? All you have to do if you like someone is go for it."

"Wait, do you have a crush on someone?"

"Nope!" he exclaimed as he sprang from his bed.

"Really? Then why are you running away?"

He flicked his finger and said, "Nosey." And attempted to flee.

"Who is she, brother?"

He walked out of my room, shushing me.

I lay over on the bed and stared at the guitar sitting on the bed's corner. I took the instrument and examined it several times.

My brother, Ashton, is the only one who is aware of my feelings for Andrew Campbell. So I'm completing all of his chores in order for him to keep his mouth shut.

The following day,

"Why did you sleep in? Were you working on a project?"

"Yes, mama." I lied. I couldn't sleep since I was so excited about starting my instrument class today. And I'll be in the same class as Andrew. How can I sleep when I'm excited?

"What are you contemplating?" Dad was curious.

I shook my head and went on with my breakfast.

"Where has your brother gone?"

"He departed early."

"Isn't it possible for him to join us for breakfast? What is he thinking?" Father inquired.

"Eat your breakfast, honey." Mother said.

My parents and my brother fought when they requested him to study at the institution that my father preferred, but my brother refused and enrolled at another university that he preferred.

My brother, unlike me, disliked competing with our next-door neighbours, therefore he always went against our father's desires. My brother is so direct, he says he's out of his mind. In a nutshell, he's the polar opposite of me. That's also why I'm afraid of him alerting our parents about my secret.

At university,

I took the guitar and walked to the instrument lesson when the classes ended.

Hannah, "Your guitar looks cool!"

"Thank you."

"Did you get that at the shop where we were earlier?"

"Yeah, You should have seen her face when I went there."

"Come on, let's go to class," she remarked with a smile.

When I arrived at the instrument class, it was packed.

"Why are there so many people here?" Hannah inquires.

"Let's go in," I murmured, shrugging my shoulders.

I approached senior Caleb, who I had discovered among the crowd. I'm curious as to why there are so many individuals here.

Caleb, senior "Hey, hi. I know I said I'll teach you myself but I have to apologise for that, I can't teach you since I have other vital things to do."

"OK," she said, her expression troubled.

When I tried to leave, he said, "I can ask someone to educate you. Wait here."

He hasn't returned for thirty minutes. Is he on his way or already gone?

I walked to where the senior had gone and came to a halt when I spotted the senior chatting to Andrew.

Senior, "I'm not asking you to teach a large group of people, just one."

Andrew, "But I need to rehearse for the competition."

Senior appeared to be requesting Andrew to assist me during the conversation. What a wonderful coincidence! While I was having a good time,

Andrew "She must study on her own, why do you want me to assist her?"

Andrew didn't appear to like teaching me.

I dashed back to where I had been. They two approached me after a while.

Senior, "He'll show you how to play chord c. Learn it quickly and get prepared for the audition the following week." And then he smiled and walked away.

Andrew, "Take out your guitar."

I opened the bag and took the guitar, I put the strap around my neck and held the guitar in my hands.

Andrew showed me the string and asked me to strum it while holding onto another string. I did as he instructed but still was bad which made him tense and he said, "That's why I said I can't teach the amateurs."

"It's all right. I can figure things out on my own. I'm not going to tell anyone. You can prepare for the competition by practising."

"Contest? Where did you hear about it? Did you listen in?"

"I… I..."

His phone began to ring.

"Continue to practise... I'll be right back." And then he departed.

"Which faculty are you in?" one of the guys said.

Why is he questioning me?

"Western."

He nodded and added, "My name is Lance, and I'm in food and nutrition. What is your name?"

What exactly does he expect from me? I'm feeling unsettled.

"Amelia."

He nodded and asked, "Why are you..."

Andrew cut me off and asked, "Are you practising?"

I nodded and returned to practising the chord he was teaching me, that guy left to where he was.

Hannah, after some time, "I can't believe you persuaded your opponent to be your teacher. How are things going?"

"It's all right."

"Did you learn the chord?"

"It's quite difficult. How are people supposed to play this? They demonstrated that it is simple to play but difficult."

She chuckled and added, "Keep practising, okay? I must depart. Let's see tomorrow. Bye." And then she departed.

I was still practising the chord c after everyone had gone home. When I looked around, there was no one but the group practising for the impending music competition.

Andrew approached me, sat next me, and observed my practice.

"Stop."

"W-What?"

He replied, pointing to my hands, "Your fingernails. It's lengthy. It will make learning more difficult."

"I'll get it cut tomorrow."

"About earlier, it's not a good thing to eavesdrop on someone," he said with a nod.

"I-I apologise."

He looked at his watch and stated, "You are free to depart. We can resume tomorrow."

"Okay."

When I stood up and packed my guitar in the bag, he remarked, "Practice at your house, too."

I nodded and exited the classroom.

It was already dark as I exited the building. Is it possible that I practised for too long? I'm starving right now. I should get home as soon as possible and fill my tummy with my mother's cooking.

"Amelia!" I heard as I walked up to the front door.

Who is calling? I turned to see who it was. Caleb, senior?

He approached me, waving his hand as if to implore me to stop.

"I assumed you departed early."

I shook my head.

"Are you on your way home?"

"Yes."

"Where's your place?"

"Ah... on Tales Street."

"Oh, and Andrew's residence is also on that route. Is he gone or is he still at the class?"

"He's practicing."

"He never pays attention to me. I told him there was still time for the competition and asked him to take a break, but he didn't listen. I'm not sure why he's so adamant about the competition… I suppose this is where we should split," he stated as we exited the campus.

"Huh?"

"My house is the other way."

I gave him a nod.

"You don't appear to be a talkative person. Is this how you always act, or is it because I'm a senior?"

"I'm not a big talker."

"That's great. I prefer girls who speak less." And then he grinned at me and said, "See you tomorrow." And then he waved his hand at me and walked away.

On the way to the bus station,

I spotted the guy who had bullied me that day while I was waiting for the bus. I looked on both sides and saw nothing.

The man approached and stood in front of me. I believe he didn't recognise me. I breathed a sigh of relief and awaited the bus with bated breath. What's taking so long?

The man turned to face me. I avoided his gaze by gazing down at my guitar.

"You're Amelia, right?" he inquired as he took the seat beside me.

Sh*t! He recalls me.

He took a glance around and said, "Where is your line senior? Do you believe she'll appear out of nowhere if I do something to you?"

I stood up and took a few steps away from him, carrying my instrument.

He remained in his seat, grinning at me.

A bike suddenly came to a halt in front of me. Andrew is the one who took off his helmet.

"Come with me, I'll take you home," Andrew remarked as he looked around.

"I…"

"Let's go."

He started the bike once I got on it.

I sighed and looked at Andrew, who was riding his bike. I know he lifted me up out of courtesy, he would have done the same for any other female standing there alone, but why do I feel so relieved that it was me?

I can't believe I'm riding alongside him on his bike. It's like a fantasy come true. As the wind swept in my face, I took a deep breath and pretended it was occurring in real life and it's not a dream. I'm not sure how many people get to be like this with their crush. I'm feeling quite fortunate.

What if my parents saw us in this state? I shook my head and told myself that I wasn't going to think about anything and ruin the moment. Let's put those things aside for the time being and enjoy this moment.

I'm curious how it will be in love. To walk together? To speak without thinking? To spend time together as lovers? To kiss? I know it won't happen in real life, so why am I yearning for it?

There were no titles between me and Andrew, such as neighbours, friends, classmates, or lovers, but there was always something between us that brought us together again and again. I desperately want it to be love.